We resisted the urge to mess with your heads and title this message "The Long Winters Split". In fact, it wouldn't be fair, because although we still ask you to wait a little longer for the new album, you can get your hands on new Long Winters material with amazing regularity. Latest project to see the day of light is a split single for the Mt. Fuji label, with Spiral Stairs, aka Scott Kannberg of Pavement and Preston School of Industry fame.

A pipe exploded in the ceiling of the Triple Door and it was RAINING in the theater: Saturday's show was cancelled last minute. It was going to be John, Kathleen Edwards and Dave Bazan trading instruments, playing each other's tunes, and they had been looking forward to it greatly. Sorry to all who came out for the show. For those who hadn't seen these yet, this may be some consolation: three songs from the July show on the video page, including the Bun Family Players song Shane.

Although big rock shows can convey a sense of excitement that is hard to beat, hearing music in an intimate setting may ultimately be even more exciting. The power of songs stripped to their essence. In an atmosphere that makes for storytelling. Few people master this art better than John Roderick and you can experience this first-hand at Seattle's The Triple Door this summer.

The Triple Door will host John Roderick shows on July 8th, August 14th and September 30th.
» Read more

It was only a matter of time before The Long Winters would record a song by the most famous bearded band of all. And ZZ Top's Gimme All Your Lovin' is quite obviously the perfect choice for Starbucks Valentine's compilation called Sweetheart. Described by John Roderick as 'so fantastically wimpy that it's an act of violence against rock music' , expect to be surprised by a dressed down version of this 80's classic.

Other contributors to Sweetheart 2010 include Spoon, Yo La Tengo and fellow Barsuk act Mates of State. The album is available on iTunes and can be purchased in Starbucks stores.
» See complete tracklist on iTunes

Over 30 Seattle artists have contributed tracks to GIVE Seattle 2009, a downloadable music and video compendium for charity. The Long Winters recorded an acoustic version of new song Not Moving to Portland especially for the GIVE project, with Kathleen Edwards singing harmonies, and then filmed a music video for it. Watch the video now on our video page.

The song is now available for download, so if you haven't bought the compilation yet, this is the time to do so. For just $7 you will get the best Seattle has to offer, and 100% of the proceeds go to the GIVE beneficiaries.

» Buy on GIVESeattle.org
» Read John's blog about the song and video